Hear from our graduates about the power and joy of doing Soma Structural Integration.
Madison Spencer
“The recognition of my own self-limiting beliefs has been my biggest barrier to becoming a student at the Soma Institute. I hadn’t even consciously realized it, but I had been going through life carrying a heavy internalized belief that I was too “damaged”- physically, emotionally, and so on- to do the kind of work I wanted to do in the healing arts.
A few days into the Somassage® workshop, I felt a deep internal shift. I had a recurring dream about a car accident I was in 2 years prior, but this time- instead of feeling (as usual) deeply shaken- I was calm and collected, responding to the scene, reaching out to others and asking if they were okay. I consider this narrative shift in my dream to mirror a shift in my subconscious beliefs as well. Even after just a few days in Soma, my self-empowerment began to come online, as I felt how healing it was in my own body and psyche to practice Soma. I realized that I can still help others on their healing journey while I continue on my own. These two journeys feel intrinsic to me, even.
Before Soma, I was a mining geologist who rode around in a helicopter in the deep arctic wilderness, finding precious metals while being chased by bears. I love telling people about my huge leap from working with ore bodies to human bodies. They seem like very disparate lines of work, and in a lot of ways they definitely are. For example, it never felt safe to show up as my whole self with all of my identities in the mining industry work culture- something I feel very safe to do in Soma. But I can actually carry over a lot of the aspects that I enjoyed: the pleasurable challenge the work provides for my body and mind, pondering the endless sacred mysteries of the natural systems on Earth, forming deep bonds with others while embarking on a unique adventure together, and so on!”
Aspin Teevin
“As a massage therapist who had already been through two other massage training programs, my original intention in attending the Soma Institute was to add an extra bodywork modality to enhance and bring new life to my practice of bodywork. Since obtaining my original massage certification 30 years ago, I had always kept an interest and curiosity for Structural Integration. I thought I was going to be a Rolfer, but after some research, I came across Soma, which spoke to me because it sounded like the most holistic out of all of the SI modalities.
When the timing and my life circumstances aligned, I signed up for the Somassage® workshop and was completely blown away by the dynamic instruction and power of the Soma technique. My decision was set. Intuitively I knew that Soma would be an incredible journey. I was ready for deep transformation and hungry to step into a career that was not only financially viable but that would also feed my soul on many levels. Specifically, the Soma training was the most transformative and powerful bodywork modality that I have come across to date. So happy I chose this path!
I have been in practice for almost a year now. Financially, my Soma practice has exceeded my expectations! I absolutely love my clients, and I continue to get busier based on word of mouth. I still offer massage therapy sessions as well as Soma. I have discovered that Soma is so balancing and energizing, not only to my clients, but also to myself. At the end of the day, I feel like I’ve been to a really good yoga/meditation class. It’s so rewarding to feel these positive physical and energetic benefits. My massage sessions tire me out a little more than Soma, but knowing the Soma technique profoundly enhances my massage work as well. I’m grateful that all forms of my therapeutic touch continue to evolve and unfold.
The one consistent aspect of Soma that differs from massage is my ability to step into the awareness of the present moment with my clients through Soma’s slow pace and deep intentional touch. This opens the doorway to increased perception and creates a sacred container for listening on multiple levels for deep transformation, pain management, and overall relief. The “Less is More” Soma technique really provides amazing results for my clients! It has been life changing for many of them and I continue to witness many tears of joy. As a soothing balm for the body, mind, and soul, I have found that Soma is incredibly effective and longer lasting than massage.”
Stephen Shrader
“Attending the Soma Institute was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The training is exceptional, providing not only high-value bodywork techniques but also a strong foundation in body dynamics that protect the practitioner from injury, ensuring a long and sustainable career.
Building a full practice takes time, but because Soma is so effective, it naturally creates a loyal client base. My work-life balance is better than ever—I run a thriving Soma practice that allows me to take 12 weeks off per year while earning over $100,000 in gross income. If I ever want to earn extra, I can simply book more sessions, and I have the flexibility to adjust my schedule as needed.
Thanks to the principles of supply and demand, I’ve been able to steadily increase my prices while maintaining a full schedule. Even through economic shifts and COVID, my practice has remained strong—people need Soma. Simply put, it’s the best bodywork out there!”
Tiara Adler
“Choosing to go to the Soma Institute was a pivotal moment for me in my growth personally and professionally. As someone who always felt like I had “too many interests” to distill into one career, I finally feel like I can endlessly explore my curiosities and there is space for all of my interests. Soma is science, art, medicine, touch, care, and awareness. The Soma training has given me invaluable tools to build a practice with, and a strong foundation to continue growing into. I am grateful that one year after starting my practice, I am thriving. I am fully supporting myself and saving for the future.
The Soma Institute is a little refuge in the world. Jesse and Kelsi (and the whole Soma family) hold integrity, honesty, and healing at the forefront of their vision, and it shines through. As a student, I felt supported, cared for, challenged to push my edges, and seen. The program is a fusion of academic rigor and depth, hands-on skills, dynamic perspectives and lots of heart. It’s a beautiful place for your curiosity and humanity to bloom. Not to mention, Whidbey Island is a haven. If you are thinking about becoming a Structural Integrator… please, DO. The world needs this unique modality, so we may know and experience the freedom within our bones.”
Jerica Green
www.fountainofyouth.healthcare
“My time at the Soma Institute was life changing. Not only did I learn about the human body and many of its magical properties, I learned about myself emotionally, physically, and mentally. Soma work has a way of affecting a person as a whole, not just on the physical level. During my Training, I felt very grounded doing the work and made life long friends in the process. Everyone I have met that has attended the Soma Institute is so welcoming and genuine, it’s like an extended family.
I cannot say enough good things about the school, the program, or the educators. I felt truly seen, heard, and held, throughout my time at the school and beyond. The curriculum was engaging, and fully encompassing. Every one of the educators brought their own style, experiences and voice to their contribution. Words cannot express my deepest gratitude to the Soma Institute for making my life journey exponentially better.
My practice is going spectacularly. One year from my graduation, I was fully supporting myself financially by doing Soma work. I’ve had several careers in my lifetime and this one is by far the most rewarding. It feels wonderful to truly help people, every day. People who come in barely able to walk literally dance their way out at the end of a session. People who have been carrying their pain and trauma their whole lives finally have a space that feels safe enough to put it down, be present and show themselves some love. It fills my soul with such a beautiful energy to witness and be a part of that process.”
Anita Smith
“With a rich background in the science of movement, I began a career in touch therapy with massage and the treatment of athletic injury. However, it was the personal experience of profound change in my own physical structure and emotional awareness through Soma Structural Integration, that set the course for my career of the past 35 years. Studying Soma Structural Integration has offered me the opportunity to support individuals through a transformational whole body, whole being experience.
I was introduced to the work while attending a Somassage® workshop for massage therapists at the Soma Institute in Gainesville, Florida in 1979. Bill Williams PhD, the developer of all things Soma and a former student and practitioner of the Rolf method of Structural Integration, with Dr. Rolf’s encouragement, evolved her work in how connective tissue was addressed as well as the very important component of emotional processing. The current owner/directors of the Soma Institute have continued to explore and expand upon all of the dimensions of this very profound process. Having taken my Advanced certification with the director, Karen Bolesky MA., ten years ago at the facility for the Soma Institute in Buckley, WA., I can highly recommend what she and her staff offer in the facility and the comprehensive educational depth for the student and the profession.
My passion is movement. Helping others to discover, unlock and heal the blocks to the experience that their vehicles, their bodies, offer them for the full experience and expression of life, never diminishes. I consider it a privilege to be invited to assist someone through this avenue of self discovery.
I have been blessed to have supported myself and my family and have maintained two practices in Miami, FL and Durango, CO. It is my desire to continue to impact the lives of all those who enter my door with the opportunity to transform their bodies and their minds through the process of Soma Structural Integration for years to come with humor and compassion.”
